Europe – Page 27 – Prologue Journal

Holiday Briefing

New York Times Celebrating cherished traditions on a special day. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/25/briefing/holiday-briefing.html

An Interview With Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Critic Putin Freed and Exiled

New York Times Vladimir Kara-Murza, a vehement critic of President Vladimir V. Putin, didn’t want to be part of a prisoner exchange. But he says more exchanges are needed. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/25/world/europe/vladimir-kara-murza-interview-critic-putin.html

Russia Sentences a U.S. Citizen, Eugene Spector, to 15 Years for Espionage

New York Times Eugene Spector was already serving a sentence for a bribery conviction when he was charged with spying, for which a court ordered him to serve an additional 13 years. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/24/world/europe/russia-espionage-eugene-spector.html

As Rome Prepares for a Tourist Surge, Residents Fear Losing the City’s Soul

New York Times The Catholic Jubilee in 2025 is expected to draw 32 million visitors. Officials are proud of the city’s accompanying makeover, but residents lament soaring housing costs and changes in Rome’s character. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/24/world/europe/rome-vatican-jubilee-tourism.html

5 Lesser-Known Churches in Rome to Visit During the Jubilee Year

New York Times During the upcoming Jubilee year, millions of Christian pilgrims will flock to the Eternal City’s innumerable holy places. Here are five gorgeous churches that may offer a less-crowded experience. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/24/travel/churches-rome-jubilee-year.html

How Afghan Militias, Unleashed by the U.S., Proved Worse Than the Taliban

New York Times Trump blamed Biden. Biden blamed the Afghan military. Our investigation found that the U.S. unwittingly laid the groundwork for the Taliban’s victory long ago. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/24/world/asia/afghanistan-taliban-us-militias.html

An English City Dressed a Statue as Santa for Years. Then it Vanished.

New York Times The Old General watched over Nottingham, England, for more than a century of profound change before disappearing. This Christmas, he’s finally back. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/24/world/europe/nottingham-pub-statue-uk.html

Tuesday Briefing

New York Times Here’s what you need to know. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/24/briefing/gaetz-netanyahu-putin.html

He Inherited a Seat in the House of Lords. The UK Government Says He Will Lose It in 2025.

New York Times The U.K. government has pledged to remove hereditary peers from Parliament in 2025. For Lord Cromwell and 87 others, it is a wistful departure. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/24/world/europe/uk-parliament-hereditary-peers-lords.html

Is a Putin Ally in Belarus Making a Cautious Overture to the West?

New York Times President Aleksandr G. Lukashenko of Belarus keeps arresting political opponents, but analysts wonder if a string of unusual pardons is a bid to get sanctions eased. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/24/world/europe/belarus-lukashenko-putin-west-sanctions.html